Join Fr. Mick Kopil for a Special Pilgrimage
October 4–9, 2026

You are warmly invited to join Fr. Mick Kopil on a special pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Emmitsburg—a beautiful journey of faith, history, and fellowship.

Together, we will visit some of the most sacred Catholic and historic sites in our country, including:

• The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic church in North America

• The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, where John F. Kennedy’s funeral was held

• The Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, America’s first cathedral

• The National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

• And many more inspiring places

This pilgrimage is especially meaningful as we celebrate the semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding—offering a unique opportunity to reflect on the faith that helped shape our country.

We invite you to come and learn more at our information meeting:
Monday, May 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Location: Parish Hall

If you have questions or would like to express interest, please contact:
Cathy Sosinski 219-464-1624 ext. 222
parishsecretary@seseton.com

We would love for you to be part of this prayerful and memorable journey!

Depart from your local airport and arrive in Washington, D.C.  Proceed to Baggage Claim and the Arrivals Hall where just outside you will be greeted by our Trinity Tours Travel guide and driver who will accompany you throughout the pilgrimage. This afternoon’s focus is on hotel check-in, fellowship, and leisure time at the hotel to prepare spiritually for the days ahead in the rich Catholic heritage of our nation’s capital.

Check-in, dinner & overnight in Washington, D.C.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, Holy Mass is celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (upon confirmation). Known as the largest Catholic church in North America, this magnificent basilica is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title as Patroness of the United States. Its Upper Church houses over 80 chapels and oratories representing diverse Marian devotions from around the world, while the Crypt Church below offers a quiet and contemplative space for personal prayer.

Following Mass and a guided visit of the basilica, we continue to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. Here, we encounter the powerful witness of St. John Paul II through immersive exhibits that highlight his life, his resistance to oppression, and his unwavering commitment to human dignity and freedom. A first-class relic of the saint further deepens this encounter.

After lunch on your own nearby, we enjoy a panoramic tour of the National Mall, where the story of our nation unfolds through its monuments and memorials. From the Lincoln Memorial to the World War II Memorial, these landmarks stand as reminders of sacrifice, unity, and the enduring pursuit of freedom.

This afternoon, we visit the Museum of the Bible, where Sacred Scripture comes to life through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and a deeper exploration of its impact on culture and faith throughout the centuries.

Dinner & overnight in Washington, D.C.

Following breakfast, we travel to Arlington National Cemetery, one of the most sacred sites in the United States. Here, we reflect on the profound sacrifices made by those who served our nation. A guided tram tour brings us through this solemn landscape of rolling hills and white marble headstones, each representing a life of service and dedication.

We visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a powerful tribute to unidentified service members who gave their lives in defense of freedom. Pilgrims will witness the Changing of the Guard, a deeply moving and reverent ceremony. Mass is celebrated nearby followed by a free afternoon for lunch on your own, continued site-seeing, and patriotic exploration of our capitol.

Pilgrims may choose to visit Georgetown, a historic district known for its charming streets, waterfront views, shopping, and vibrant atmosphere.

Dinner on your own & overnight in Washington, D.C.

Breakfast and check-out at the hotel and we begin our day at the Washington National Cathedral, known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.  As part of the Episcopal Church, this cathedral functions as a “national house of prayer” for the United States. Major national events, including presidential funerals, memorial services, and interfaith gatherings are often held here.  Gothic in style, this magnificent cathedral is similar in design to many medieval European churches.

We proceed to the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, the seat of the Archdiocese of Washington, where Holy Mass is celebrated. A prominent Catholic Church in the heart of our nation’s capital, it is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Washington and is famous not only for its stunning Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, but for its role in major national events such as the funeral Mass of President John F. Kennedy, America’s first Catholic president.

Lunch on your own nearby, and we visit the United States Capitol for a guided tour. Here, we gain insight into the legislative foundation of the country and reflect on the relationship between faith, governance, and the pursuit of justice.

This afternoon, we depart for Baltimore. Free time upon arrival as schedule allows.

Check-in, dinner & overnight in Baltimore.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we visit the grand mid-century Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, the seat of the Archbishop of Baltimore - the first, therefore the oldest, Catholic diocese in the US. Known for its Romanesque architecture, the cathedral feels peaceful, dignified and quietly impressive.  We travel a short way to Emmitsburg, home of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born saint. Here, we walk in the footsteps of a woman whose life was marked by profound loss, deep conversion, and unwavering faith.

We visit the basilica, museum, and historic grounds, including the original Sisters of Charity Motherhouse she founded in 1809. Through these sacred spaces, we come to understand the saint’s lasting impact on Catholic education and her tireless service to the poor.

Time for personal prayer and reflection before Holy Mass is celebrated in this historical setting. Lunch on your own prior to our return to Baltimore.

Dinner & overnight in Baltimore.

Following breakfast and check-out, we visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first cathedral constructed in the United States following the adoption of the Constitution . Built in 1821, it is known as the “Mother Church” of American Catholicism.  This historic site reflects the early presence and perseverance of the Catholic faith in a newly formed nation. A guided tour and Holy Mass provide a fitting and prayerful conclusion to our pilgrimage, allowing us to reflect on the grace received throughout this journey.

Following our visit, we transfer to the airport for our return flights home, carrying with us the beautiful history of our country and of our faith within it!

A note from Trinity Tour Travels:

We are honored to have you travel with us and appreciate your trust in

Trinity Tour Travels for your pilgrimage! Though every effort will sincerely be made to follow the above itinerary, it should be considered a template of the journey rather than a “contract” of sites to be visited. There are times when local religious or national holidays, weather, traffic challenges, etc., may cause us to make changes in our schedule. This MAY result in a change in the sequence of sites visited or, on rare occasions, the missing of some certain site visits entirely.

As with all in life, we encourage the acceptance of possible change with a cheerful heart; after all, it is sometimes the unexpected that often makes the most beautiful memories! Enjoy your trip to the fullest and relish every moment!